Let’s take a look at what types of items are most valuable for companies to give away!

Tech Gadgets

Fully three-quarters of Americans now own (and likely depend on) a smartphone. No, we’re not suggesting you give out smartphones as promotional items — although you’d be certain to get some good publicity out of such a generous move!

What you can do, however, is give customers and potential customers tech accessories that enhance their smartphone usage.

A cell phone stand or holder is a good example. So are cleaning wipes specially formulated for electronics, earbuds, and selfie sticks.

Other tech accessories that people really appreciate are USB drives, chargers and power banks, mobile batteries, and even the good old-fashioned mouse pad.

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

These days, it seems like almost everyone is trying to eat better, drink more water, and exercise regularly. That’s good news for any company that’s searching for promotional giveaways to garner some brand recognition.

Water bottles are a useful item to give away. Or go one step beyond and choose a bottle that’s made to mix up smoothies or infuse water with fruit or herbs.

Other great choices for promotional items to hand out at an event? Small first-aid kits, hand sanitizer pens, pill organizers, workout towels, and resistance bands, and even pedometers.

Why do health and wellness giveaways work so well? They’re handy. Even those people who might not go out and purchase a clip-on pedometer to keep track of their daily steps would probably use one after receiving it as a giveaway.

Promotional Giveaways That Are Always Appreciated

There are some items that will never go out of style when it comes to branded giveaways and promotional items. An example of a classic freebie that everyone has, and uses, is the humble pen.

Think about it. We may not use pens or pencils as often as we did back before smartphones and apps came along, but almost everyone still needs a pen occasionally. Whether it’s to write a grocery list, sign a permission slip, or just jot down a reminder, pens are useful.

From a marketing standpoint, pens are a perfect choice. They come in a huge variety of styles and colors and are available at a price point to fit any budget.

Although the classic click-top and capped pens are always a hit, you may want to set your company apart. If that’s the case, try a pen and stylus combination, a highlighter, or a mechanical pencil.

Right up there pens in terms of popular promotional giveaways are tote bags. People always need a tote bag, just like they always need a pen. Here, too, you have a couple of options.

A bag that’s the right size and shape for groceries is always good, but consider nylon drawstring backpacks, reusable produce bags, or even the type of bag that can be folded up into a neat little package and stashed in a purse or glove compartment.

Wearables and Apparel

Similarly, there aren’t too many people who will turn down a free t-shirt. It’s important to carefully consider the design of any t-shirt you’re going to use as a promotional item, though. Otherwise, there’s a high likelihood that your company’s shirt will end up at the back of the closet — or worn only for sleeping.

Either way, it won’t be getting your name out there.

Classic colors like navy, white and black, are the most useful types of t-shirts. And don’t forget about other wearable promotional giveaways. Sweatshirts, shorts, sunglasses, and ball caps or visors are all going to be hot items at your trade show table or festival exhibit.

Fun and Unusual Freebies

We’ve saved the most fun freebies for last. We’re talking frisbees, yo-yos, Nerf footballs, blow-up beach balls, bubbles, fidget spinners, kites, water pistols, and more. These are especially smart choices if your business is family oriented, or if you’re attending a festival or fair that will have a lot of families in attendance.

Of course, it’s not just kids who love these toy giveaways! You can bring a smile to any grownup’s face by handing over a bubble wand or yo-yo — and they are sure to remember your company and its fun freebies.

Or opt for “toys” that appeal to adults, such as golf tees or golf balls, tennis balls, bottle openers, corkscrews, and hacky sacks.

Toys are fun, but there are also some free giveaway items that are useful and unusual. Lip balms belong in this category. So do pocket packs of tissues, adult coloring books and colored pencils, Bluetooth speakers, note cubes, playing cards, tangle toys, plastic beer steins, shot glasses, and sunscreen.

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of the best promotional giveaways to stock up on when you’re heading to a trade show, job fair, street festival, charity event, or any other place where you need to promote your business. The best freebies to give out are those that are useful, that the customer might not purchase herself, or that will make a lasting impression.

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